Press Release
StarSat - Empowering Local Producers to Grow Local Content
According to research done by StarSat, the most watched content and channels by a vast majority of South Africans is local content.
On Digital Media's (ODM) pay TV platform StarSat has brought new meaning to empowering producers in the broadcast industry. Contrary to conventional broadcasters, StarSat has taken an approach that will not only allow them to have fresh, relevant and strong local content available in their packages, but also assist with the growth of the industry by supporting and empowering independent producers, which is quite a unique approach in the local TV industry.
StarSat structures pre-license deals where it commits to content intended to resonate with audiences from concept stage. The deal ensures the producer is provided with the necessary documents and confirmations to enable them to raise funds that will be augmented with their pre-license fee, and also allow for them to produce the programme.
Once the programme has been produced, StarSat broadcasts it as per the license conditions while the intellectual property rights of the programme remains with the producer.
StarSat says that one of the biggest challenges faced by new-comers in the South African television market is the cost of the production of local content. Entrants are dependent on subscription and airtime sales revenue, which could prove challenging when a brand is still new and establishing itself.
“Even though the quota for local content on subscription broadcasting is mandated by the broadcasting license provided by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the research we have done demonstrates that the most watched content and channels by a vast majority of South Africans is local content”, comments David Makubyane, Senior Manager: Content at ODM. It is for this reason that StarSat understands that having local content on their platform is a pre-requisite.
To enable its subscribers the experience the beauty of local content, StarSat is launching four new exclusive shows that will keep its viewers entertained this festive season.
The first and most popular is “David Kau’s House”, a one-of-a-kind scripted comedy show that tells the story of the comedy king, David Kau, starring in a reality show based on his life as a stand-up comedian and filmmaker.
It centres around Kau's family, celebrity friends and colleagues, business partners and employees who each occupy his house and bring with them all sorts of issues. All don’t seem too keen to be in this 'reality show', yet some are willing to share the platform only if they are paid ridiculous sums of money.
The other shows are Wired, a locally produced sitcom, and two dramas, Twisted and Sweetest Taboo.